Bed skirt and inserter tool

ABSTRACT

A two part invention comprising a bed skirt having either one continuous panel or three connected linearly aligned panels, the panel (s) having an obverse and a reverse surface and having a hook and loop fastener portion along the upper edge of the reverse surface thereof, the bed skirt being designed to hang vertically and hide a bed&#39;s box spring, when attached to a series of inserters, disposed between a mattress and box spring, along the left, bottom and right sides of the box spring. The inserters have an elongated flexible polymeric main section, with an upstanding section at one end, and to which upstanding section is attached an inwardly directed section, and on the other end of the main section is a downwardly directed section having a strip of opposite gender hook and loop fastener portion thereon for the engagement with that of the bed skirt.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This patent relates to bed skirts and a new embodiment thereof and a tool for placing the bed skirt in the box spring without mattress removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bed skirt or valance sheet is a piece of decorative fabric that is placed between the mattress and the box spring of a bed. The purpose of the bed skirt is to present a stylish appearance to a bed by hiding the sides of the box spring, and the space between the floor and the underside of the box spring.

Historically, bed skirts were used to block drafts of cold air that could hit the bed and its occupants. Bed skirts in some parts of the country have been referred to as “dust ruffles”.

Bed skirts may be manufactured in two modes. Both units have a main portion piece of fabric, often white muslin, whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the top face of the box spring, with at least two descending attached pieces of fabric, usually decorative, along each of the long sides of the box spring. Usually the bed skirt also includes a bottom descending end flap, and SELDOM a top end flap. These end flaps fit over the top edge and the bottom edge of the box spring. The bed skirt can take on several styles, as will be shown in the drawings of the second embodiment in that there can be 4 distinct panels, left, right, top (though rare) and bottom, with slightly overlapping corners, or there can be but one continuous panel that circumnavigates the box spring.

In any event, today, to add a bed skirt to a bedding ensemble, the user is required to first remove the mattress (s) that reside upon the box spring. The muslin or other fabric main portion is overlaid on the box spring, and the two side panels, and the two flaps (top and bottom), if present, are correctly positioned. Then the mattress (s) is overlaid on the box spring. Often this is a two person chore.

Applicant herein has devised a new type of bed skirt and a device for placing the new bed skirt into its decorative position, without the need for removing the mattress from the box spring. The new bed skirt of applicant can be in either of two embodiments. The first is a single continuous skirt that wraps around at least 3 edges of the bed or at least 3 connected panels, for the two sides of the box spring, and for the bottom vertical surface of said spring. In either embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a top of the spring vertical surface, but such is less preferred due to difficulty of decorative placement, especially when a headboard is present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A new bed skirt in two embodiments having either a single continuous panel to decoratively cover the two side surfaces and the bottom vertical surface of the box spring, or three joined panels having a slight overlap of the bottom vertical panel surface on both its left and right vertical edges, proximal the mattress, with the adjacent side panels. The rear surface of both embodiments of the bed skirt includes a series of hook and loop fastener tabs or a single strip of fastener, for both versions, preferably the male portion.

An inserter device having an elongated preferably polymeric main body section, an arcuate second section at one end of the body, which second section contains female hook and loop fastener tabs and having an inverted L-shaped third section, disposed at the opposite end of the main body section in opposed relationship to the second section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic depiction of a typical 3 panel prior art bed skirt.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention and the second embodiment of the bed skirt as well.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the rear panel, outside surface of the first embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention.

FIG. 6 a front surface elevational view of one side panel of both embodiments of this bed skirt.

FIG. 7A is a rear surface elevational view of one side panel of the first embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention.

FIG. 7B is a rear surface elevational view of one side panel of the second embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the bed skirt inserter—hereinafter inserter—of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view thereof.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the third section of the inserter.

FIG. 11 is a closeup view of the second section of the inserter, and

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the inserter.

FIG. 13 is a composite view similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B but for the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The discussion commences with FIG. 1, wherein a typical bed skirt is seen. Such an item 10 is readily available at Macy's; Bed Bath and Beyond, Sears and other fine stores nation wide. Bed skirt 10 includes a left vertical panel 11, a rear decorative panel 12 and a right decorative panel 13 all of which are vertically disposed. All three of the panels are stitched or otherwise attached to a horizontally disposed main portion, 14, which matches the size of the box spring, be it Twin or Full, or Queen, King, or Cal King. These dimensions are known to the art for the various sized box springs. Usually the main portion is white, though other colors are known, and the material utilized is primarily cotton muslin. Other sizes such as Twin XL are also contemplated.

In FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the bed skirt of this invention is seen and designated 100, while the second embodiment to be discussed is designated 200. In this figure, the interior surface of two of the three adjacent and attached panels and one exterior panel surface are seen to be integrated into a unitary structure. They are left side vertical panel 111, rear panel 112 and right side panel 113. While not described in detail, it is seen that each of the portions of the one continuous panel 100; namelyl 111, 112 and 113 are generally rectangular in configuration and conform to the length of the box spring for 111 and 113 and to the width of the box spring for portion 112. The elevation of the both embodiments of the bed skirt range from about 13 to 16 inches high, to compensate for different thicknesses of box springs available in the marketplace. It is also contemplated to use but one interior surface for the reverse face of the first embodiment. Thus depending upon the fabric chosen for the bedskirt, either construction may be employed.

The terms right and left panel are used in reference to the sides of the bed from the vantage point of one standing at the foot of the bed, facing the headboard. Since these panels depend downwardly next to the box spring or other support as used in certain European design slatted beds, the panels are referred to as vertical panels. Each panel is seen to have an outside surface that faces the viewer and in the relevant figures, the decorative outer side is seen to have some form of decoration thereon. The inside panel is undecorated and contains a layer of hook and loop material as will be discussed infra. All inside facing panels are designated “-IN” and outward facing panels are designated “-OU” when a face of the panel is to be discussed. Otherwise the panels will only be referred to by their numerical designation.

In FIG. 3, the rear panel at the foot of the bed is seen in elevation. Panel 112 is generally rectangular and the thicker vertical edges 116 are due to the 90 degree bends that the continuous fabric makes as shown in FIG. 1. Whereas in FIG. 4, all three exterior or outer decorative panel surfaces are seen of the bed skirt's first embodiment spread apart. The decorative aspect, what ever it may be is designated 120.

In FIG. 5, a view related to FIG. 4 is seen. This view depicts the second embodiment 200, which has three discrete panels, 211, 212, and 213 which are only attached along the top edge 217, and optionally by a short downwardly depending optionally stretchable seam 218. These two modes of attachment may also be found in prior art 100 bed skirts having, three overlapping separate panels. The main point of novelty of both embodiments 100 and 200 is that there is NO horizontal main fabric portion connected to the left, right and bottom panels. While in FIG. 5, a space-unnumbered is seen to emphasize the existence of three discrete panels, the down seam is designated 218. It is within the skill of the art in manufacturing the bed skirt, to cut the fabric such that when deployed the bottom panel overlaps the left and right panels slightly for a more aesthetic look.

FIG. 6 is set forth to illustrate specifically the outer surface of but one side panel of the first embodiment. Here it is designated 111-OU and the decorative trees are shown as 120. While not specifically shown the respective side panel of the second embodiment would be designated 211-OU. The other panels of each of the two embodiments would be consistently numbered “-OU” as well.

FIG. 7A illustrates the interior surface of the left panel of the first embodiment. This surface is designated 111-IN. Along the length thereof at the upper edge is a continuous strip of preferably the male portion of a hook and loop fastener. One brand of such a patented fastener is VELCRO, made by the 3M Company of Minneapolis Minn. While the male portion of the hook & loop fastener is preferred, the female version may be used as well. The male is preferred for the reason that when mating with the inserter of this invention is to be achieved, if the alignment is not exact, it is preferred to have the rougher textured portion of the fastener facing away from the decorative fabric of the bed skirt.

FIG. 7B illustrates an elevational view of just the bottom panel of the first embodiment's interior surface 112-IN. Here instead of using a continuous strip of hook and loop fastener, a series of spaced aligned tabs of this fastener are seen along the upper edge of the panel. The tab series is designated 122. It is to be understood that the use of tabs and a continuous strip of hook and loop fastener are deemed equal and either format may be employed on any and all of the three panels. The fastener may be a peel and stick version capable of being adhesed to fabric or the fastener may be neatly sewn in any conventional manner to the interior surface of the panel(s)

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B but is a two part composite showing the interior side of the left, 211-IN and bottom 212-IN panels of the second embodiment of the bed skirt. Hereto, either a series of aligned tabs or a continuous strip of hook and loop fastener, preferably the male portion, designated 221 and 222 respectively are both seen. Attachment is carried out in like manner as for the first embodiment.

The discussion now turns to the second part or aspect of this invention as seen in FIGS. 8-12. This device which has been referred to previously as an inserter can also be referred to as an attacher. These two terms which can be used interchangeably will now be explained. But for ease and convenience only the term inserter will be used hereinafter.

The device 50 may be referred to as an inserter because it is inserted between the box spring and mattress. Device 50 may also be referred to as an attacher, because the bed skirt in both embodiments herein is attached to a series of the devices to be retained in its desired decorative position. Let the discussion begin.

The inserter device 50 of this invention is seen in top perspective in FIG. 2. The insert has a main section 51, which is a generally elongated rectangle in configuration, whose width is about 25 percent of its length. Main section 51, terminates at one end in an arcuate section 53, of the same width as the main section. Depending downwardly from arcuate section 53 is a smaller rectangular section 57, of equal width, which has Male hook and loop material 55, either several tabs or a strip glued to said section at the edge of the exterior interface of sections 53 and 57.

At the opposite end of main section 51 is a small full width upstanding section, 59, which terminates in an inwardly extending preferably full width flat terminal section 61. The two outer edges of terminal section 61, denoted as 62A and 62B may be chamfered so as to narrow the terminal edge of section 61 for its intended use, which will be discussed infra. See FIG. 9.

In FIG. 9 a top perspective view, main section 51 is seen as well as terminal section 61. Edge 62A is shown as being chamfered but edge 62B is shown non-chamfered. From both a practical and aesthetic point of view both edges 62A and 62B would both be the same, either chamfered or unchamfered.

In FIG. 10, an elevational view, smaller rectangular section 57 is seen with a hook and loop (same as hook and pile) strip attached thereto at the interface with arcuate section 53.

In FIG. 11, there is seen a side elevational view of the small full width upstanding section 59 and the inward extending section 61. As seen in the FIGURE, the interfaces between adjacent sections is a smooth 90 degree curve. Depending upon the material used, these interfaces could be at a hard right angle as well.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the inserter of this invention. All the elements seen have already been discussed.

As to sizing, of each element of the inserter, the main section can vary from about 11 inches to 16 inches in length, the overall width of the device can vary from about 3 to 5 inches, while the downwardly depending section 57 can vary form about 1½ inches to 4 inches: and the upstanding section 59 may be between ⅜ths and ¾ inches in elevation and lastly the inwardly directed section may be between ¼ and ⅜ths inches in extension, and of course full width. The inserter may be made of hard rubber, or any suitable low cost flexible polymer of about 1/16th to 3/16ths inches thick.

The hook and loop material is conventional and available in the marketplace in 1 inch×2 or 3 foot lengths, as well as 1 inch×1 inch tabs, and other not specified here.

METHOD OF USE

The inserter of this invention is used in a plurality with any size bed from 30 inch bunk to King and Cal King as may be desired. Approximately 3-6 units are employed on each side and about 3 to 4 at the foot of the bed. The user lifts the mattress 80 slightly off the box spring, 82, at the desired location 85 for insertion, and thrusts the inserter 50 inwardly between the mattress 80 and the box spring 82, with the upstanding section 59 facing upwardly. The disposition should be such that the downwardly depending section 57 is disposed adjacent the top edge 83 of the box spring and lays flat against the side of the box spring. When inserted in such a manner, the tabs or strip of hook and loop material will face outward toward the party doing the insertion.

One then mated the hook and loop opposite portions on the rear (reverse surface) of either of the embodiments 100 or 200 of the bed skirt, with the spaced apart inserters hook and loop portion, to position the bed skirt to hang downwardly from the mated hook and loop fastener sections, of the combination of the series of inserters with the obverse surface of the bed skirt facing outwardly to the viewer. The inserters should preferably be disposed uniformly around the periphery of the bed. While 3 to 6 per side of the bed is the recommended number of inserters, a smaller or larger number may be employed. Of course the fewer the number of inserters 50 that are employed along the length of the bed, the larger the gaps between inserters will be. Such a reduction also renders it more difficult for the inserters to act, as each one has to hold up more weight of fabric of the bed skirt. This process is repeated for the foot of the bed and the second side of the bed as well.

It is seen therefore that I have created an easy to use combination of new bed skirt and inserter tool whereby the new bed skirt is attached to the plurality of inserter tools which are easily thrust between the mattress and box spring. The presence of the combination of the upstanding section and the inwardly directed section, created a counter pressure, one or more inserters can be moved over leftwardly or rightwardly as may be desired or removed from between the mattress and the box spring all together.

Since certain changes may be made in the above described apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

I claim:
 1. A new bed skirt having a single elongated panel of fabric having a top edge and being equal in length to the sum of the lengths of the left side of a box spring which the bed skirt is to adorn, the length of the bottom side of the box spring and the length of the right side of the box spring, said bed skirt having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, the reverse surface thereof having a layer of mateable hook and loop fastener portion disposed downwardly from the top edge along the length of the bed skirt on the reverse surface thereof.
 2. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fastener is a continuous strip of fastener.
 3. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fastener is a series of spaced tabs of hook and loop fastener.
 4. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the obverse surface has a decorative pattern thereon, and the hook and loop fastener is the hook (male) portion of the fastener.
 5. A new bed skirt, which has three discrete panels, left, bottom and right, each of which panels has a top edge, said three panels being only attached along the said top edge to the next adjacent panel, each respective panel being equal in length to the respective lengths of the left side of a box spring which the bed skirt is to adorn, the length of the bottom side of the box spring and the length of the right side of the box spring, each panel of said bed skirt having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, the reverse surfaces thereof having a layer of mateable hook and loop fastener portion disposed downwardly from the top edge along the length of each of the three panels of the bed skirt.
 6. The bed skirt of claim 5, wherein each adjacent panel is also attached to its next panel by a short downwardly depending seam commencing at the top edge of each said panel.
 7. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fastener is a continuous strip of fastener.
 8. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the hook and loop fastener is a series of spaced tabs of hook and loop fastener.
 9. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein the obverse surface has a decorative pattern thereon, and the hook and loop fastener is the hook (male) portion of the fastener.
 10. A device designated a bed skirt inserter, to be used in plurality, each of which is to be disposed between a mattress and a box spring, spaced from each other, along the left side, bottom and right side of the box spring. said inserter comprising a generally elongated flexible rectangular main section, whose width is about 25% of its length, said main section terminating at one end in an arcuate section of the same width as the main section, from which arcuate section, depending downwardly is a smaller rectangular section also of equal width as said main section, and at the opposite end of the main section is a small full width upstanding section, which terminates in an inwardly extending preferably full width flat terminal section, wherein the depending downwardly rectangular section has a strip of mateable hook and loop fastener thereon along the top edge thereof at the interface with the arcuate section.
 11. The bed skirt inserter of claim 10, wherein the outer edges of the inwardly extending section are chamfered.
 12. The bed skirt inserter of claim 10 wherein the downwardly depending section depends downward between about 2 and about 4 inches.
 13. The bed skirt inserter of claim 12 wherein the upstanding section has an elevation of between ⅜ths and ¾ inches.
 14. The bed skirt inserter of claim 10 wherein the strip of hook and loop fastener is about one inch in elevation depending from the top edge of said downwardly depending section.
 15. The bed skirt inserter of claim 10 wherein the main section varies between 11 and 16 inches in length.
 16. In combination, a plurality of bed skirt inserters each inserter comprising a generally elongated flexible rectangular main section, and a downwardly depending section, said downwardly depending section having an exterior face and an interior face, and having on its exterior face, a strip of hook and loop fastener portion thereon, of one gender, and a bed skirt having form one to three panels, each of which panels is to be vertically disposed, each of which panels has an obverse surface and a reverse surface, and each of which has a strip of hook and loop fastener portion along the top edge of the reverse side thereof of the opposite gender as the hook and loop fastener portion of the bed skirt inserter, whereby after a series of the inserters are placed spaced apart between a mattress and a box spring, with their downwardly depending sections, disposed downwardly said bed skirt can be matingly engaged by its hook and loop fastener portion to the hook and loop fastener portion of the plurality of inserters to decoratively hide the box spring of a bed.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the hook and loop portion on each inserter is female and the hook and loop portion on the bed is male.
 18. The combination of claim 16 wherein the bed skirt has one continuous panel and the plurality of inserters varies between 9 and
 15. 19. In combination, (A) a bed having a mattress disposed on a box spring, a plurality of bed skirt inserters disposed between said mattress and said box spring, each inserter comprising an elongated flexible main section and a downwardly depending section, said downwardly depending section having an exterior face and an interior face, and having on its exterior face, a strip of hook and loop fastener portion thereon, of one gender. And (B) a bed skirt having from one to three panels, each of which panels is to be vertically disposed, each of which panels has an obverse surface and a reverse surface, and each of which panels has a strip of hook and loop fastener portion along the top edge of the reverse side thereof of the opposite gender as the hook and loop fastener portion of the bed skirt inserter, whereby upon the mating of the hook and loop portion of the inserters with a hook and loop portion of the bed skirt, will decoratively hide the said box spring.
 20. The further combination of claim 19 wherein the bed skirt has but on continuous panel. 